Polyphosphate affects cytoplasmic and chromosomal dynamics in nitrogen-starved Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT: Polyphosphate (polyP) synthesis is a ubiquitous stress and starvation response in bacteria. In diverse species, mutants unable to make polyP have a wide variety of physiological defects, but the mechanisms by which this simple polyanion exerts its effects remain unclear. One possibility is that polyP's many functions stem from global effects on the biophysical properties of the cell. We characterize the effect of polyphosphate on cytoplasmic mobility under nitrogen-starvation conditions in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using fluorescence microscopy and particle tracking, we quantify the motion of chromosomal loci and cytoplasmic tracer particles. In the absence of polyP and upon starvation, we observe a 2- to 10-fold increase in mean cytoplasmic diffusivity. Tra

SUBMITTER: Magkiriadou S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11009631 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature